The quiet, beach-oriented nature of Dennis perhaps derives from its namesake, the Reverend Josiah Dennis, pastor of Yarmouth's East Parish. He would probably approve of the town's lack of commercial development, its ten town beaches, and seven conservation areas.

Rev. Dennis' saltbox home, the Josiah Dennis Manse, is open to the public with rooms decorated in the style of the minister's day. Further along Route 6A on Scargo Lake is Scargo Hill Tower, built on the highest spot in the area at 160 feet above sea level. From the top of the 38-step tower, you can see from Barnstable Harbor to the west to Provincetown in the east.